A sister who donated her bone marrow to save her brother's life is cycling from Manchester to Blackpool this Sunday to say thank you to The Christie.

In 2009, Vicky Hallam, 23 from Preston, and her brother Matt, 26, were tested as possible donors for their brother Josh's bone marrow transplant. When the family heard that she was a perfect match, it was all systems go to collect the relevant stem cells from Vicky's blood. If the match had not been found, Josh's chances of survival would have been dramatically reduced. Both Vicky and Matt are now listed donors on the national bone marrow register.

Vicky said:

"I feel so pleased that I was able to help my brother. At the time, I was quite nervous about donating as Josh was so ill at the time but knew that I wanted to do it. I would definitely do it again, regardless of who I was donating to.  It's such a small thing to do but it could save someone else's life."

Josh, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia when he was 17 years old, has been treated in the young oncology unit at The Christie since April 2009. Since his diagnosis, Josh, now 20 years old, has received substantial treatments to help him recover, including the bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy. However, his health journey has been a difficult one as following the transplant, Josh experienced complications which resulted in stays in the critical care unit and now, due to joint damage, uses a wheelchair.

Vicky spoke about Josh's experience at The Christie:

"Josh's strength is so admirable. He's dealt with his illness really well. I think the care he received on the teenage unit really helped him come to terms with his condition.  For example, our family could stay the night with Josh, the visiting times are really flexible and the nurses are really approachable. I felt as if I could ask questions and get involved with Josh's care. Having the option to spend time together as a family made a huge difference to how Josh coped with his condition and we felt at home there."

Vicky, who has taken part in the Great Manchester Run twice, is cycling in the 60-mile route from Manchester to Blackpool for The Christie charity with her brother Matt and Josh will be at the finish line in Blackpool. She wants the money she raises to go to The Christie's young oncology unit to pay for additional services such as complementary therapy.

You can donate at Vicky's Justgiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Victoria-Hallam3

 Notes to editors:

• The Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride leaves Old Trafford between 6.30am - 9.30am on Sunday 8^th July. Vicky leaves at 08.00 and hopes to arrive in Blackpool by 15.00.
• Vicky will be available for broadcast interviews on the day.
• For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Helen Crosbie on 0161 446 3840 or on 07748 334528.

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